Toledo zoning committee addresses charter school delays and approves new soccer field

The Toledo Zoning and Planning Committee convened on April 16, 2025, to address several key issues, including zoning changes and special use permits for local developments. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of nine committee members.

Council member Driscoll opened the discussion by clarifying previous comments made regarding the plant commission. He acknowledged a misunderstanding about delays related to a study on charter schools and expressed his appreciation for the hard work of the plant commission staff. Driscoll emphasized the need for refining the zoning code and improving city efficiency, reiterating his respect for the staff's expertise.

The committee then moved on to specific cases on the agenda. The first case involved a request for a special use permit to renovate a soccer and lacrosse field at Notre Dame Academy, located at 3535 Westsylvania Avenue. The plan commission recommended approval, subject to ten conditions. The committee advanced this case to the full city council for further consideration on April 22.

Next, the committee reviewed two companion cases concerning a property at 1565 Alexis Road. The first case sought a zone change from General Industrial to Regional Commercial, while the second requested a special use permit for a new gas station. The applicant, Circle K, plans to demolish the existing structure, which has been closed since a fire last year, and replace it with a new building and fueling station. The plan commission also recommended approval for these cases, subject to 37 conditions.

During the discussion, committee members raised concerns about traffic flow and safety at the intersection of Alexis Road and Hageman. The division of transportation had reviewed the plans and expressed satisfaction with the proposed ingress and egress points, which aim to enhance safety by maximizing distance from the intersection.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address the outlined conditions and further refine the proposals as necessary. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial for the ongoing development and zoning efforts in Toledo.